C14 Family Great Competition or Middle

Chen Yuan suddenly called out, his voice echoing with authority, "Let's all pick up the Spirit Stones properly. Anyone caught sneaking them away will face my wrath!" He flashed a knowing smile at Chen Lieh, his face resembling a blossoming chrysanthemum.

...

Despite their words, the Chen family remained unmoved, as if they had outright ignored the two men.

Observing the lack of response, Chen Loong stepped forward with a grin, clearing his throat. "Since Chen Bai's master has generously donated so many Spirit Stones, let's not dawdle. Stack them up, count them, and store them away promptly, so we don't delay the Great Competition."

At Chen Loong's urging, Chen Ke quickly directed everyone to gather and tally the Spirit Stones. The Chen family people then began to methodically pile them up.

Chen Lieh's face betrayed a flicker of emotion as he saw his words fall on deaf ears, but he ultimately held his tongue.

It wasn't until the sun dipped below the horizon that the last of the Spirit Stones was accounted for.

The exact count of two hundred thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones left the Chen family in awe once more, their respect for Chen Bai's enigmatic "Master" growing.

With nightfall upon them, Chen Yuan declared a pause in the Great Competition, scheduling its official commencement for the following day.

The night passed in silence, many of the Chen family people lying awake, lost in their thoughts.

At dawn, the bell tolled anew.

The Martial Training Field quickly swelled with eager spectators.

Following Chen Yuan's introductory remarks, the Chen family's Great Competition kicked off in earnest.

The first event was the Qi Refining Stage battles.

......

After a series of intense clashes, Chen Yuan expressed his pleasure. "Today's battles were truly thrilling. Clearly, none of you have let up over the past year. Your dedication is the bedrock of our Chen family. Now, I will announce the top ten contenders of the Qi Refining Stage."

He paused briefly before continuing, "The top spots go to Chen Yi, Chen Er, Chen San... through to Chen Shi. Let's extend our heartfelt congratulations to them!"

A round of applause ensued, though it lacked genuine enthusiasm.

The award ceremony followed shortly thereafter. Notably, thanks to the 200,000 Low Grade Spirit Stones provided by Chen Bai, the Chen family generously awarded the top three winners with 2,000 Low Grade Spirit Stones each this time. Due to Chen Yuan's vigorous promotion, the Chen family's regard for Chen Bai and his son soared.

As the ceremony concluded, the sky was once again awash with the hues of the setting sun.

Night fell, and while some slept soundly, others were restless with anticipation.

On the third day, the bell tolled as usual.

Whispers circulated around the Martial Training Field today.

"Hey, did you hear? Last night, someone spotted the Law Enforcing Elder sneaking into the second elder's residence. He was in there for quite a while before he left."

"Yeah, I heard about that too. We should probably stop referring to Elder Lie as the second elder, given the uncertain outcome after the Great Competition."

"You're right. Elder Lie was once the Patriarch, after all. If Chen Bai steps up his game this time, the Patriarch position might just revert to its rightful holder!"

"Have you noticed that the Law Enforcing Elder has been... um ~ lively these past couple of days? He used to always look so stern."

"Exactly, could it be that he's had a breakthrough in his cultivation?"

Once most of the attendees had gathered, Chen Yuan cleared his throat to signal for silence. With the crowd hushed, he announced the official commencement of the Foundation Stage matches.

The opponents were determined by drawing lots as usual.

After the draw, Chen Bai examined the bamboo stick in his hand, which was inscribed with the number "thirteen."

Chen Yuan's voice soon rang out again, "Following tradition, the holder of number one will step up to the Martial Training Platform to compete."

...

After another series of fierce battles.

"Next, number thirteen, please step up to compete."

Upon hearing his number called, Chen Bai made his way to the Martial Training Platform at a measured pace.

Meanwhile, the competitor also holding number thirteen shuddered at the sight of Chen Bai emerging, feeling a sudden unease.

The crowd's excitement surged as Chen Bai prepared to take the stage. Everyone was eager to witness the capabilities of Chen Bai, who had recently made such a dramatic comeback.

As Chen Bai stepped onto the Martial Training Platform, he couldn't help but crack a smile at the sight of his opponent. With a respectful bow, he said, "I'm still learning the ropes, so I hope you'll go easy on me, Mr. Xiaoxiao."

"Mr. Bai, is it possible for me to concede defeat?" asked the portly man with a sheepish grin plastered across his face as he looked at Chen Bai.

"Chen Xiaoxiao, can't you muster a bit more courage? Look at yourself! This isn't acceptable! You are not allowed to give up!" the third elder chastised from the stands, his expression one of sheer exasperation.

Chen Xiaoxiao, hearing his father's rebuke, lamented, "Come on, Dad. It's easy for you to say! You've seen Mr. Bai's prowess; he's at Foundation Level Three. And here I am at Foundation Level One. Isn't that just asking for trouble?"

After his plea, Chen Xiaoxiao turned back to Chen Bai and said, "In the past, I was foolish and caused you trouble, Mr. Bai. I hope you won't hold it against me."

Chen Bai responded with a sly grin, "Why would I? I'm not one to bear grudges. A duel is a duel, and we're here to spar, after all."

Chen Xiaoxiao, seeing Chen Bai's demeanor, felt utterly hopeless. After a brief silence, he bowed deeply and said with sincerity, "Mr. Bai, I am ready to learn from you."

With both competitors poised for action, Chen Yuan declared the commencement of the duel.

"Devil's Tide Tank!"

At the signal, Chen Xiaoxiao was the first to make a move. As he shouted the command, his already plump figure expanded even further, quickly transforming into an unsightly spherical shape.

Despite the humor in Chen Xiaoxiao's current form, the Chen family people refrained from any mockery. On the viewing platform, Chen Faang applauded and laughed, "I never expected this lad to successfully master such a high-level Profound Rank Spirit Spell. He hasn't let me down."

Chen Yuan and the others also offered their congratulations.

"Pfft! My apologies, Mr. Xiaoxiao, but your look is just too... distinctive. I can't help but admire it," Chen Bai said, struggling to contain his laughter, despite the praise Chen Xiaoxiao was receiving from the others.

Watching Chen Bai's smug, infuriating expression, Chen Xiaoxiao couldn't contain his anger and blurted out, "Mr. Bai, isn't it a bit presumptuous to mock me at this time? If you don't take action soon, don't blame me for not holding back!" With that, he rolled toward Chen Bai.

As the human meatball closed in fast, Chen Bai stopped underestimating the situation and leapt skyward. He executed another Crane Wing Palm, and a vivid phantom of a celestial crane materialized, charging straight at the meatball form of Chen Xiaoxiao.

"Boom!"

"Ahh! Ahh! Ahh!"

After a series of screams reminiscent of a pig being slaughtered, Chen Xiaoxiao's figure deflated and shrank rapidly. To the astonishment of onlookers, he clutched his rear and hopped around the Martial Training Platform.

...

A hush fell over the crowd until someone nudged their neighbor and whispered, "Hey, did Young Master Bai just use a Crane Wing Palm to take down Mr. Xiaoxiao?"

The person next to him nodded, still in shock.

A buzz of conversation broke out among the Chen family members.

On the stands, the audience was momentarily speechless. Chen Yuan gave Chen Faang a look of consternation, unsure of what to say.

Catching Chen Yuan's gaze, Chen Faang let out a cold snort and commanded, "Humph, just declare that brat the loser already. He's an embarrassment!"

Chen Yuan, with a wry smile, looked at Chen Xiaoxiao and, without seeking his input, announced Chen Bai as the victor.

And so, Chen Bai's first Family Great Competition came to a dramatic close.

Upon hearing his victory announced, Chen Bai allowed himself a slight smile before returning to his seat. He began meditating in silence, focusing on his cultivation.

Chen Yuan, observing Chen Xiaoxiao still bouncing around on the platform, cleared his throat and signaled for him to be brought down.